Biologically active chloroform fraction of an extract obtained from a mangrove plant Salvadora persica L

ABSTRACT

The invention discloses a process of extracting, fractionating and purifying bioactive molecules from an associated mangrove plant, methods of screening for pharmacological activities of crude extract, its fractions and purified compounds and use of the chloroform fraction of the crude extract as anti-spasmodic, anti-arrhythmic and anti-cholinergic agent.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to biologically active chloroform fraction of extracts obtained from the plant Salvadora persica Linneaus 1753. The invention also provides a process for obtaining the crude extract and obtaining the chloroform fraction. Further, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions, exhibiting biological activity.

RELATED ART

[0002] The associated mangrove plant, Salvadora persica Linneaus, 1753, belongs to the order Salvadoracea and are shrubs or small trees with white flowers frequent in degraded mangrove swamps and saline banks all over the west coast of India. Large numbers of marine plants have been examined for bioactive substances. Nazarine, F; Anita F; Rataboli, P. V.; Diniz D'Souza, R. S and Dhume; V. G., 1998 in Indian Journal of marine Sciences, 27: 499-501 have reported promising pharmacological activities in marine organisms from Indian waters.

[0003] There are several patents available from all over the world related to processes and compounds from nature for various purposes. Kwak; Wie-jong; Han; Chang-kyun; kum; Hwan-su; An; Jae-suk; Kum; Taek-soo, patented process of extracting and purifying biologically effective ingredients from combined medicinal plant and their extract composition (U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,307 published on Jun. 8, 1999). D'Amelio; Frank S; Mirhom; Youssef W. disclosed therapeutic composition and method for treating skin using extract from Centipeda cunninghami plant in U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,206 published on Sep. 8, 1998. Zimmerman; Richard C.; Alber; Randall S.; Todd; James S.; Crews; philip, isolated compound from the methanolic extract of the eelgrass Zostrea marina having significant antifouling aquatic properties (U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,741 published on Mar. 4, 1997).

[0004] Betulinic acid which is prepared from the compound Betulin has many pharmaceutical potentials. Pezzuto John M; Kim; Darrick S. H. L. disclosed methods of manufacturing betulinic acid from betulin (U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,575 published on 8 September, 1998). The betulinic acid is intensively investigated as a potential therapeutic agent for a variety of diseases. Pezzuto; John, M; Das Gupta, Tapas K; Schmidt; Mary Lou; Kuzmanoff; Konrad Marc; Ling Indeck; Lydia and Kim; Darrick, S. H. L. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,962,527 dated Oct. 5, 1999). Pisha E, Chai H, Lee I S, Chagwedera T E, Framsworth N R, Cordell G A, Beecher C W, Fong H H, Kinghorn A D, Brown D M, in Nature medicine, 1 pages 1046-1051 (1995) discloses that betulinic acid has an unexpected selective antitumour activity against human melanoma e.g. MEL-1, MEL-2 and MEL-4. In addition Fujioka T, Kashiwada Y, Kilkuskie R E, Cosentino L M, Ballas L M, Jiang J B, Janzen W P, Chen I S, Lee K H. J.Nat.Prod., 57 (2) pages 243-247 (1994) discloses that betulinic acid has anti-HIV activity in H9 lymphocytic cells. These inventors mentioned that the researches directed t betulinic acid as therapeutic agent are hindered because the betulinic acid is available in very limited quantities and at a very high cost. Ramadoss, Sunder, Jaggi, Manu; Siddiqui; Mohammad Jamshed Ahmed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,847 published on Apr. 11, 2000 describes uses of betulinic acid and its derivatives for inhibiting cancer growth and a method of monitoring this. Kang; Raphael K. L.; Zyzak; Li Li; Nakatsu; Tetsuo published flavored product additives in U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,460, dated Sep. 7, 1999 in which Ursolic acid was one of the compound amongst a group of three compounds which was added to a flavored product to reduce aftertaste in the product and enhance its sweetness like in a diet drink. It was also used as a constituent in a preparation for inhibition of skin Tumorigenesis.

[0005] Herman, S (U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,979 published on Mar. 2, 1993) disclosed lupeol also as a compound which can make pharmacologically active terpene ozonides which have medicinal value.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The main object of the present invention is to provide a process for obtaining the chloroform fraction from the crude extract from stem, leaves, and flowers of Salvadora persica, a commonly available shrub in mangrove swamps and screening to study its bioactivity.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to isolate naturally occurring compounds from the plant Salvadora persica and identify their molecular weights, molecular formulae, melting points and their structural formulae, which will be helpful in chemical synthesis of these compounds.

[0008] Yet another object of the invention relates to the pharmacological screening of the chloroform fraction of the crude extract, its fractions and purified compounds to check that the activities shown by the crude extract and chloroform fraction are maintained throughout.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide pharmaceutical compositions containing chloroform fraction of the extract from the plant Salvadora persica and exhibiting biological activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention seeks to overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art by providing the highly efficient and selective means for processing of active crude extract its fractionation, isolation and purification of the active compounds. Further, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions containing the extract obtained from the plant Salvadora persica.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention discloses for the first time the methods of isolation, purification and pharmacological screening of all these above said commercially important compounds from a commonly available plant from mangrove swamps of the west coast of India. The said plant identified as Salvadora persica, is an associated mangrove plant. It is a shrub and the twigs with leaves of flowers can be hand picked. Even the crude extract and fractions exhibit therapeutic value. The important point is that the biological activity shown by the extract is maintained in the purified compounds such as Methyl palmitate and Betulin.

[0012] This disclosure points towards future potential clinical uses of the extract and fractions for treatment of diseases such as smooth muscle relaxant, bronchial asthma, renal colics and prevention of premature delivery. It further relates to the use of Methyl palmitate and Betulin in motion sickness, abdominal cramps.

[0013] The invention provides methods whereby biologically active crude extract of an associated mangrove plant identified as Salvadora persica Linneaus 1753 is prepared. Salvadora persica Linneaus (Salvadoraceae) are shrubs or small trees with white flowers frequent in degraded mangrove swamps and saline banks all over the west coast of India; west Asia. The process disclosed in the invention further relates to the extraction, fractionation and purification of active constituent metabolites of the said plant. The invention is also concerned with the spectral identification of the compounds such as β-amyrin (non-steroidalpolycyclic triterpene), Betulin, Ursolic acid (triterpenic acid), Methyl palmitate (Aliphatic Ester) and Lupeol (non-steroidalpolycylic triterpene). The invention also deals with molecular formulae, molecular weights, melting points and structural formulae of the said compounds. The invention provides a highly efficient and selective means for processing of active crude extract obtained from Salvadora persica, its fractionation, isolation and purification. As used herein, the terms fractionation means separating the crude extract. The term isolation and fractionation means separating the fraction into pure compounds.

[0014] The invention further relates to methods of screening pharmacological activities of the said compounds in mammalian tissues. The applicant has found that the crude extract obtained from the plant Salvadora persica can be separated into two fractions, i.e., chloroform and aqueous fractions. The chloroform fraction exhibits antispasmodic, anti-cholinergic and anti-arrhythmic activities which is described in detail in the present invention.

[0015] The invention has a different approach for pharmacological screening of anti-arrhythmic activity on atrial tissues. The left atrium was used for electric stimulations rather than the right atrium which has the pacemaker. This method was found advantageous for longer survival of the atrium during experiments.

[0016] Accordingly, the invention provides a process of extracting and purifying biologically useful molecules from an associated mangrove plant which comprises the steps of:

[0017] i) collecting and processing the plant plants of Salvadora persica,

[0018] ii) preparing a crude extract from the plant parts of Salvadora persica.

[0019] iii) testing the crude extract using methods of pharmacology,

[0020] iv) fractionating the crude extract,

[0021] v) testing the fractions using methods of pharmacology,

[0022] vi) isolating the pure compounds by column chromatography.

[0023] vii) testing the pure compounds by using methods of pharmacology, and

[0024] viii) identifying the compounds by spectroscopy.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the invention, the chloroform fraction of the mangrove plant Salvadora persica showed arrhythmic, anti-spasmodic, anti-cholinergic activity, as the parent crude extract.

[0026] The invention also provides the identification of the molecules from the spectral data. The molecular formulae of the five compounds is provided from the spectral data. The invention provides molecular weights of the molecules from EIMS. The structural formulae of the compounds is also provided from the spectral data.

[0027] Thus, a crude extract was obtained from the plant Salvadora persica. The crude extract was tested for its bioactivity and if found promising in terms of its pharmacological activity, it was fractionated using solvents with increasing polarity to obtain fractions such as petroleum ether, chloroform, butanol and aqueous. Each of these were also tested for their pharmacological activity.

[0028] The five compounds purified from the extract of the plant were β-amyrin (non-steroidalpolycyclic triterpene), Betulin, Ursolic acid (triterpenic acid), Methyl palmitate (Aliphatic Ester) and Lupeol (non-steroidalpolycyclic triterpene).

[0029] β-amyrin was found to be a non-steroidalpolycyclic triterpene with the following details:

[0030] Molecular formula: C₃₀H₅₀O

[0031] Molecular weight: 426

[0032] Melting point: 160.degree C.

[0033] Another molecule found was betulin having:

[0034] Molecular formula: C₃₀H₅₀O₂

[0035] Molecular weight: 442

[0036] Melting point: 255 degree C.

[0037] Ursolic acid (triterpenic acid) molecule was also found in the extract. It had:

[0038] Molecular formula: C₃₀H₄₈O₃

[0039] Molecular weight: 456

[0040] Melting point: 292 degree C.

[0041] Methyl palmitate (Aliphatic Ester) found in the extract had:

[0042] Molecular formula: C₁₆H₃₂O₂

[0043] Molecular weight: 256

[0044] Melting point: 30 degree C.

[0045] Lupeol (non-steroidalpolycyclic triterpene) found in the extract had:

[0046] Molecular formula: C₃₀H₅₀O

[0047] Molecular weight: 426

[0048] Melting point: 215 degree. C.

[0049] One of the compounds Betulin which can be used in manufacturing of betulinic acid (U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,575 published on Sep. 8, 1998. Betulinic acid is intensively investigated as a potential therapeutic agent for a variety of diseases.

[0050] Ursolic acid is added to a flavored product to reduce after taste in the product and enhance its sweetness for example in a diet drink. It was also used as a constituent in a preparation for inhibition of skin Tumorigenesis.

[0051] Extracts of some plants show vasoconstrictor and analgesic properties and also contain triterpenoid beta.-amyrin. These compositions for inhibiting the formation of unwanted skin pigmentation combine high tyrosinase blocking capabilities with stability in cosmetic preparations, absence of significant cytotoxic effects and synergy of action (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,773,014, 5,679,393). Beta.-amyrin and lupeol are used as components for dimethylsterols in medical formulations (U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,574).

[0052] Methyl palmitate is compound used in making alcohols as mentioned in U.S. Pat. No. 6,049,013 published on April, 2000. Lupeol can be used as a component for several remedial medicines, insect repellants, distilleries anti tumor and chemical industries (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,808,574; 5,962,527; 5,908,628).

[0053] Thus, the extract of Salvadora persica contained several compounds as listed above. The chloroform fraction of the extract of the said plant Salvadora persica, was then tested for its biological activity on guinea pigs. The Applicants, to their surprise found that the extract exhibited excellent anti-cholinergic, anti-arrhythmic and anti-spasmodic activity.

[0054] Accordingly, the invention provides compositions containing the chloroform fraction of the extract obtained from Salvadora persica, optionally with conventional additives for inhibition of treatment of anti-cholinergic conditions such as asthma. The composition may contain about 10 μgm of the extract. Thus, the chloroform fraction of the extract obtained from the plant Salvadora persica is a potential anti-cholinergic agent. The compositions may be formulated in different physical forms, as may be required. The extract may be used as such or with conventional additives, physiologically acceptable carriers, preservatives, buffers, etc. as required.

[0055] Additionally, the invention provides a method of treating anti-cholinergic conditions such as bronchial asthma, which comprises administration of therapeutically effective amount of extract obtained from Salvadora persica to the subject in need thereof. The extract may be administered at a dosage level in the range of 50 μg/ml to 250 μg/ml, in case of normal adults. The exact dosage will vary depending on the patient to be treated and will depend on factors such as requirements of the patient, severity of the condition being treated and the activity of the extract. The determination of optimum dosages for a particular patient is well-known to those skilled in the art.

[0056] Further, the applicant found that the chloroform fraction of the extract obtained from the plant Salvadora persica exhibits anti-spasmodic activity. Accordingly, the invention provides compositions containing the chloroform fraction of the extract obtained from Salvadora persica, optionally with conventional additives for inhibition of treatment of spasmodic condition such as muscular spasms. The composition may contain about 10 μgm of the extract. Thus, the chloroform fraction of the extract obtained from the plant Salvadora persica is a potential anti-spasmodic agent. The compositions may be formulated in different physical forms, as may be required. The extract may be used as such or with conventional additives, physiologically acceptable carriers, preservatives, buffers, etc. as required.

[0057] Additionally, the invention provides a method of treating spasmodic conditions such as bronchial asthma, which comprises administration of therapeutically effective amount of extract obtained from Salvadora persica to the subject in need thereof. The extract may be administered at a dosage level in the range of 50 μg/ml to 250 μg/ml, in case of normal adults. The exact dosage will vary depending on the patient to be treated and will depend on factors such as requirements of the patient, severity of the condition being treated and the activity of the extract. The determination of optimum dosages for a particular patient is well-known to those skilled in the art.

[0058] Furthermore, the applicant found that the chloroform fraction of the extract obtained from the plant Salvadora persica exhibits anti-arrhythmic activity. Accordingly, the invention provides compositions containing the chloroform fraction of the extract obtained from Salvadora persica, optionally with conventional additives for inhibition of treatment of arrhythmias of the heart. The composition may contain about 10 μgm of the extract. Thus, the chloroform fraction of the extract obtained from the plant Salvadora persica is a potential anti-arrhythmic agent. The compositions may be formulated in different physical forms, as may be required. The extract may be used as such or with conventional additives, physiologically acceptable carriers, preservatives, buffers, etc. as required.

[0059] Additionally, the invention provides a method of treating arrhythmias of the heart, which comprises administration of therapeutically effective amount of extract obtained from Salvadora persica to the subject in need thereof. The extract may be administered at a dosage level in the range of 3 μg/ml to 10 μg/ml. in case of normal adults. The extract is administered to the subject for a period of 10 minutes. The exact dosage will vary depending on the patient to be treated and will depend on factors such as requirements of the patient, severity of the condition being treated and the activity of the extract. The determination of optimum dosages for a particular patient is well-known to those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060]FIG. 1(a) shows the mangrove plant and

[0061]FIG. 1(b) shows the twig of the associated mangrove plant used.

[0062]FIG. 2 shows the different fractions obtained from the extract of the plant Salvadora persica.

[0063]FIG. 3 shows the structural formula of β-amyrin (non-steroidalpolycyclic triterpene)

[0064]FIG. 4 shows the structural formula of Betulin,

[0065]FIG. 5 shows the structural formula of Ursolic acid (triterpenic acid),

[0066]FIG. 6 shows the structural formula of Methyl palmitate (Aliphatic Ester)

[0067]FIG. 7 shows the structural formula of Lupeol (non-steroidalpolycyclic triterpene).

[0068]FIG. 8 shows the fractionation chart of extract of Salvadora persica

[0069] The invention is described in detail and illustrated by the following examples which should not be construed as limitations on the inventive concept embodied herein.

EXAMPLE 1

[0070] This Example Provide Information About the Chemicals, Reagents, Apparatus Used and Their Sources

[0071] Apparatus:

[0072] 1. Physiograph.

[0073] Company: Biodevices,

[0074] Ambala, India.

[0075] 2. Force Transducer

[0076] Model No. T-305

[0077] Co.: GRASS, USA

[0078] 3. Stimulator

[0079] Model SS44

[0080] Co. Biodevices, Ambala

[0081] 4. Polygraph

[0082] Model 7

[0083] Co. GRASS, USA.

[0084] 5. Force Transducer

[0085] Model No. FT-03

[0086] Co.: GRASS, USA

[0087] 6. Organ Bath

[0088] Ambala,

[0089] India

EXAMPLE 2

[0090] Collection of the mangrove plant Salvadora persica L from the coast of Goa, a state in India was along Ribandar, near the mouth of the Mandovi estuary, upstream. This species is ubiquitous to the coastal areas of Goa and was collected manually from the intertidal banks.

EXAMPLE 3

[0091] Processing of the collected mangroves were washed first with seawater followed by tap water. The undesired materials were sifted out while washing with tap water to get rid of the salts. The leaves, stems, and flowers of the associated mangrove plant were air dried. After drying, the plant material was cut into small pieces and immersed in the solvent 90% aqueous methanol for a week for extraction. Care was taken to ensure that these were properly soaked/dipped in the solvent and checked for putrefaction.

EXAMPLE 4

[0092] Extraction and preparation of crude extract was carried out by cold percolation method at room temperature and by solvent evaporation at a water bath (temperature 50° C.) under reduced pressure. This helps in protection of any heat labile metabolite present in it. Re-extraction was done twice until the extract was concentrated under vacuum to obtain the crude extract.

EXAMPLE 5

[0093] Fractionation of the Crude Extract

[0094] The crude extract was partitioned into petroleum ether, chloroform, n-butanol and aqueous fractions using a separating funnel. Petroleum ether was added to the extract in the separating funnel and separated out. Next, chloroform was added to the residue, mixed well and the lower layer separated. To the residue butanol was added and the top layer represented the butanol fraction and the lower layer was the aqueous fraction. Extraction of each fraction was done thrice and whenever there was emulsion, sodium chloride was added for breaking the emulsion. Sodium sulphate was added to chloroform and butanol fractions to remove traces of water before concentration. All the fractions were concentrated in the same manner as the crude extract. These fractions were tested for the same pharmacological activity as the parent crude extract. Column chromatography for isolation of pure compound was done by repeated column chromatography and thin layer chromatography of the eluents. The TLC revealed compounds such as Beta-amyrin, betulin, ursolic acid and lupeol.

EXAMPLE 6

[0095] To obtain the compounds Beta amyrin and betulin, separation by thin layer chromatography is carried out on 0.25 mm thick silica gel plates (Qualigen). The eluent is an 90:10 (v/v) Petroleum ether/ethyl acetate mixture and the spots are developed by spraying with 5% H₂SO₄ solution and fixation by heating at 110.degree. C.

[0096] For compounds Ursolic acid and Methyl palmitate separation by thin layer chromatography was carried out on 0.25 mm thick silica gel plates (Qualigen). The eluent is an 85:15 (v/v) Petroleum ether/ethyl acetate mixture and the spots are developed by spraying with a 5% H₂SO₄ solution and fixation by heating at 110° C.

[0097] For the compound lupeol the separations by thin layer chromatography are carried out on 0.25 mm thick silica gel plates (Qualigen). The eluent is an 75:25 (v/v) Petroleum ether/ethyl acetate mixture and the spots are developed by spraying with a 5% H₂SO₄ solution and fixation by heating at 110.degree. C.

[0098] In the present invention, the active chloroform fraction of the mangrove plant S. persica, was column chromatographed over silica gel for the isolation of the active constituent. Elutes from the column with the same TLC profile were mixed and subjected to pharmacological testing. The active sub-fractions were further chromatographed till active pure compounds were obtained (Flow chart I). Spots on thin layer chromatography (TLC) were visualised by using iodine vapours and spraying with methanolic sulphuric acid.

[0099] TLC was done on glass plates (20×20 cms) coated with a 0.25 mm layer of TLC grade silica gel (Qualigens) activated at 110° C. for 1 hour before use. The active aqueous fraction was passed through XAD-column and eluents were treated, as mentioned above, for the isolation and purification of active constituent metabolites.

[0100] The five compounds were identified on the basis of spectral data obtained at the Regional Sophisticated Instrumentation Center (RSIC) India by the following spectra:

[0101]¹HNMR for determining the proton environment of the molecule carried out on Bruker DPX-200 MHz.

[0102] Apparatus: Bruker Spectrometer

[0103] Model: DPX

[0104] Co. Bruker

[0105]¹³CNMR for carbon atoms Bruker DPV 300 MHz.

[0106] The compounds were identified from a comparison of their spectral data with those of similar compounds reported in literature.

[0107] Mass spectra (EIMS) electron impact Mass spectrometry for determining the molecular weights along with its fragmentation pattern were carried out on Mass spectrometer (El/CIMS) Model D.300 JEOL,

[0108] Apparatus: Mass Spectrometer (EIMS)

[0109] Model: D-300

[0110] Co. JEOL, Japan

EXAMPLE 7

[0111] Pharmacological testing of pure compounds

[0112] Standarddrugs used were the following:

[0113] Histamine acid phosphate (Blenkinsop & Co. Ltd) on ileum.

[0114] Acetylcholine chloride (Hopkin & Williams Ltd) on ileum.

[0115] 5-Hydroxytryptamine creatinine sulphate (sigma Chemicals Co.) on gastrointestinal tract. Barium chloride (Apex Chemicals) on smooth muscle contraction.

[0116] Nicotine sulphate (BDH Chemicals) on intestine as ganglion stimulant.

[0117] All other reagents used were of analytical grade.

[0118] Tyrode was used on guinea-pig ileum and Ringer-Locke physiological solution was used on guinea-pig atria.

[0119] All other reagents used were of analytical grade.

[0120] Physiological solutions used and various parameters:

[0121] All physiological solutions were prepared fresh at the time of the experiment.

[0122] pH: The pH of the various physiological salt solutions varied between 7.3 & 7.4. At lower pH the tonus of the preparation tends to decrease and is therefore liable to alter the effect of drugs.

[0123] Temperature: In order to get consistent effects it was important to maintain the temperature of the bath solution at a specified level, because if the temperature is decreased below 37° C., the tonus of the intestine is increased, the contractions become smaller and the contraction and relaxation times increased.

[0124] Air: Air or oxygen is needed for proper functioning of the tissues. Besides, providing oxygen to the tissues, the stream of gas bubbles also stirred the bath solution thereby facilitating diffusion of drugs added to the bath.

[0125] The solution in the bath was changed frequently because prolonged aeration tends to alter the pH.

[0126] In Vitro Experiments

[0127] Female, virgin, guinea pigs weighing around 300 to 350 g, housed under uniform husbandry conditions (temperature 25±1° C.) were used. The animals were starved 24 hours prior to the experiment, only water was provided ad libitum.

[0128] The isolated guinea pig ileum was used to study the anti-spasmodic. anti-cholinergic and anti-arrhythmic activity.

[0129] A. Anti-Cholinergic Activity,

[0130] The active fractions were isolated for anti-cholinergic activity, the five compounds isolated were tested only on isolated guinea-pig ileum. The longitudinal ileal muscle from a freshly killed guinea-pig was suspended in an organ bath of 10 ml capacity, filled with Tyrode solution and aerated with air. Tyrode solution comprised of:

Tyrode Solution

[0131] Glucose 1.0 g

[0132] Sodium chloride 8.0 g

[0133] Sodium bicarbonate 1.0 g

[0134] Potassium chloride 0.2 g

[0135] Calcium chloride 0.2 g

[0136] Magnesium chloride 0.1 g

[0137] Sodium hydrogen phosphate 0.05 g

[0138] All were dissolved in 1000 ml distilled water

[0139] Two to four doses of the standard drug acetylcholine were added to the bath to obtained uniform amplitude with a contact period of 30 seconds, the contractions of which were recorded on a polygraph. The five compounds isolated were tested in doses of 196 and 392×10⁻⁶ moles per ml of bath concentration. The effect of the compounds against acetylcholine-induced contraction was seen and the percentage reduction of contraction measured.

[0140] B. Anti-Spasmodic Activity

[0141] The active fractions were isolated for anti-spasmodic activity, the five compounds isolated were tested only on isolated guinea-pig ileum. The longitudinal ileal muscle from a freshly killed guinea-pig was suspended in an organ bath of 10 ml capacity, filled with Tyrode solution and aerated with air.

[0142] For pharmacological testing on guinea pig ileum, the guinea-pig was sacrificed by stunning with a sharp blow on its head. The abdomen was quickly cut open. Towards the lower end of the abdomen was the greenish sac-like caecum. The small intestine was marked by a localized thickening in the wall—a Peyer's patch of lymphoid tissue. The lowermost 10 cm of ileum nearest to the ileocaecal junction was discarded. From there, about 10 cm of ileal tissue was cut off and freed of mesentery and placed in a petridish containing warm Tyrode solution. The lumen of the ileum was gently rinsed out using a hypodermic syringe filled with Tyrode solution to prevent accumulation of mucus in the lumen. The ileum was cut into small segments of about 3-4 cms in length in the fully relaxed state. The lower end was sutured to a tissue holder, by making a loop first to avoid direct contact with the tube. The tissue was positioned in an organ bath of capacity 10 ml containing Tyrode solution aerated with air at 37° C. The thread of the upper end of the ileum was fixed to the lever of a force transducer (FT 03) which measures muscle contractions isometrically and connected to a Grass Polygraph (Model 7). The ileal tissue was kept to stabilize in Tyrode solution for 30 minutes and the fluid in the organ bath was renewed every 10 mins (as pH changes).

[0143] Two to four doses of the standard drug spasmogens (acetylcholine, histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, barium chloride and nicotine) were added to the bath to obtain uniform amplitude with a contact period of 60 seconds, the contractions of which were recorded on a polygraph. The chloroform extract was added one minute before addition of the spasmogens. The effect of the compounds against acetylcholine-induced contraction was seen and the percentage reduction of contraction measured.

[0144] C. Anti-Arrhythmic Activity

[0145] In Vitro experiments were performed on isolated guinea pig atria.

[0146] The thorax of the stunned guinae pig was quickly opened by cutting the stemocostal junctions. The heart was seen behind the sternum, beating in its pericardial covering. It was nicked off and placed in a petridish containing Ringer-Locke solution aerated with pure oxygen. It was gently squeezed to remove blood from the cavities of the atria and the ventricles and to prevent clotting of blood inside the coronary arteries. All other tissues were cut away until nothing was left except the auricles which appeared as a pair of rapidly beating pale pink leafy structures. Threads were tied one to the tip of each auricle. The right atrium having the pacemaker was tied to the glass oxygen tube and mounted in an organ bath of capacity 40 ml containing Ringer-Locke solution at 34° C. and oxygenated. The thread at the other end of the left auricle was fixed to the transducer (Force transducer T-305) which was connected to a Biodevices Physiograph. The composition of Ringer-Locke solution was:

[0147] Glucose 0.5 g

[0148] Sodium chloride 9.0 g

[0149] Sodium bicarbonate 0.5 g

[0150] Potassium chloride 0.42 g

[0151] Calcium chloride 0.24 g

[0152] The sensitivity on the Physiograph was adjusted according to the heart beat. The auricles were fixed in a pair of stimulating electrodes, kept vertically immersed inside the bath. The auricles were allowed to equilibrate for a period of 30 minutes. The electrode was connected to a stimulator (Medicare Research Stimulator SS44) at a duration of 5×1 misec and 5×0.1 misec delay kept constant. Initially the voltage and frequency were minimum. Then the voltage was gradually increased till there was a change in amplitude. Then the frequency was increased/adjusted to get arrhythmias. Doses of extract/fraction were given as concentrations of the salt per ml of bath solution and allowed to remain in contact with the auricles for 10 minutes. After every alternate minute, the physiograph was run to see if there was any change in heart rate. After 10 minutes the auricles were stimulated twice for arrhythmias. The anti-arrhythmic effect of each dose i.e. 3 and 10 μg/ml was calculated. The formula used for evaluating the arrythmic effect of crude extract of Salvadora persica on guinea pig atrium is: $\text{\%~~inhibition} = \frac{(X) - {(Y) \times 100}}{(X)}$

[0153] wherein

[0154] X=Maximum frequency before the extract

[0155] Y=Maximum frequency after the extract

[0156] The relative in vitro effect of Salvadora persica on guinea pig atrium is shown in the Table hereinbelow:

[0157] Table showing the effect of extract on guinea pig atrium 

What is claimed is:
 1. A process for the extraction and purification of a biologically active extract from the plant Salvadora persica, comprising a steps of i) collecting and processing the plant parts of Salvadora persica, ii) preparing a crude extract from the plant parts of Salvadora persica, iii) testing the crude extract using methods of pharmacology, iv) fractionating the crude extract, v) testing the fractions using methods of pharmacology, vi) isolating the pure compounds by column chromatography, vii) testing the pure compounds by using methods of pharmacology, and viii) identifying the compounds by spectroscopy.
 2. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plant parts of Salvadora persica are selected from leaves, stems and flowers.
 3. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the steps for preparation of a crude extract are: (i) air-drying the plant parts, (ii) immersing the plant parts in 90% aqueous methanol for one week, at room temperature (28±2° C.), (iii) filtering the methanolic extract by conventional methods, and (iv) evaporating the methanolic extract under reduced pressure at room temperature (28±2° C.) to a minimum quantity to obtain a crude extract.
 4. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the crude extract is partitioned into four fractions using solvents selected from petroleum ether, chloroform, butanol and aqueous fraction.
 5. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the chloroform fraction exhibits anti-cholinergic activity, anti-spasmodic and anti-arrhythmic activity.
 6. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the chloroform fraction is passed through a silica gel column and then eluted using petroleum ether-ethyl acetate-chloroform-methanol gradient system.
 7. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the thin layer chromatography (TLC) was carried out on silica gel.
 8. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the TLC was visualized either by exposing plates to iodine vapours or by spraying with methanolic sulphuric acid.
 9. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fractions which showed anti-cholinergic activity were pooled and passed through the silica gel column and eluted with same set of solvents.
 10. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein Methyl palmitate in the extract showed higher anti-cholinergic activity and Betulin showed mild anticholinergic activity.
 11. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein β-amyrin (non-steroidalpolycyclic triterpene) molecule is characterised by: Molecular formula: C₃₀H₅₀O Molecular weight: 426 Melting point: 160° C.
 12. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein Betulin molecule is characterised by: Molecular formula: C₃₀H₅₀O₂ Molecular weight: 442 Melting point: 255° C.
 13. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein Ursolic acid (triterpenic acid) molecule is characterised by: Molecular formula: C₃₀H₅₀O₃ Molecular weight: 456 Melting point: 292° C.
 14. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein Methyl palmitate (Aliphatic Ester) molecule is characterised by: Molecular formula: C₃₀H₅₀O₂ Molecular weight: 256 Melting point: 30° C.
 15. A process as claimed in claim 1 wherein Lupeol (non-steroidalpolycyclic triterpene) molecule is characterised by: Molecular formula: C₃₀H₅₀O Molecular weight: 426 Melting point: 215° C.
 16. A Pharmaceutical composition exhibiting anti-cholinergic, anti-spasmodic, and anti-arrhythmic activity, said composition comprising the chloroform fraction of the extract obtained from the plant Salvadora persica optionally, with conventional additives.
 17. A composition as claimed in claim 16 wherein the additives are selected from therapeutically acceptable additives.
 18. A composition as claimed in claim 16 wherein the extract contains compounds selected from β-amyrin, betulin, ursolic acid, methyl palmitate and lupeol.
 19. A composition as claimed in claim 16 wherein the amount of extract in the composition is 10 μgms.
 20. A composition as claimed in claim 16 wherein the dosage of the extract is 3 μg/ml to 10 μg/ml.
 21. A method for the treatment of arrhythmias, said method comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of extract obtained from the plant Salvadora persica, optionally with conventional additives to a subject afflicted with arrhythmias.
 22. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein the extract obtained from the plant Salvadora persica, is a chloroform fraction.
 23. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein 3 to 10 μg/ml. amount of the extract is administered to the subject for a period of 10 minutes.
 24. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein the subject is a human or animal.
 25. A method for the treatment of spasmodic conditions such as muscular spasms, said method comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of extract obtained from the plant Salvadora persica, optionally with conventional additives to a subject in need thereof.
 26. A method as claimed in claim 25 wherein the extract obtained from the plant Salvadora persica, is a chloroform fraction of the crude extract of the plant Salvadora persica.
 27. A method as claimed in claim 25 wherein 3 to 10 μg/ml. amount of the extract is administered to the subject for a period of 10 minutes.
 28. A method as claimed in claim 25 wherein the subject is a human or animal.
 29. A method for the treatment of cholinergic conditions such as bronchial asthma, said method comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of extract obtained from the plant Salvadora persica, optionally with conventional additives to a subject in need thereof.
 30. A method as claimed in claim 29 wherein the extract obtained from the plant Salvadora persica, is a chloroform fraction of the crude extract.
 31. A method as claimed in claim 29 wherein 3 to 10 μg/ml. amount of the extract is administered to the subject for a period of 10 minutes.
 32. A method as claimed in claim 29 wherein the subject is a human or animal. 